Panera Bread

First thing is the food. As a classically trained chef I tend to critique everything like I am the one preparing the dish. In today's market where convenience rules the chain restaurants, Panera Bread is in a class of its own. The bread was impeccable. But you would figure it would be, as it's their namesake. So now comes the toppings for my sandwich. I had the buffalo chicken melt. Everything was well balanced. Just enough buffalo sauce to tickle your throat so that you didn't forget it had hot sauce in it while still being able to taste each item by itself. This was probably the best sandwich I have had since a 45 minute wait for a grilled cheese in Cleveland. That's right I waited 45 minutes just to get a table so I could order a grilled cheese. But that's a whole other story. My girlfriend ordered the chicken Caesar salad a new sandwich that was their take on the classic flatbread pizza. I pride myself on my Caesar dressing and think I have the best, with that said this dressing was well balanced and with the freshness of the romaine and the still sizzling chicken. She said it was better than mine. Her sandwich, like mine was beyond reproach. My only issue with Panera Bread is they aren't in Hot springs and the mushroom bisque needs to be a full time menu item.

The staff at this location are very attentive and friendly. I went here the first time by accident, thinking I was in Star Sucks, which is located right next door. This was a fortuitous mistake! Panera has plenty of seating, good coffee, a reasonably priced food menu and plenty of natural light due to their large windows.

This was my first visit to a Panera restaurant. The food was great and large portions. The staff was very friendly attentive. I ordered the pick 2. Cesar salad with Chipotle Avocado chicken sandwich.